Why do I give? I was recently asked this question and I had to stop and think, why do I give and why is it important to me. I started my structural engineering career in the 1980s and women were starting to no longer be an anomaly in our profession. But I still experienced many firsts as I advanced my career, first woman design engineer hire, first employee on maternity leave, first woman Associate, and first woman Partner; and though each step had obstacles, I was fortunate to have mentors who supported and encouraged me at each step by getting me involved in professional organizations where I was exposed to leadership development and peer support.

This involvement gave me business and leadership skills to give me the confidence to keep taking those next career steps.

So Yes, I give to support my profession that still gives me opportunities to develop my leadership skills (life skills), to experience or challenge something new or different everyday(exciting), that has given me lifelong friendships (friendships), and exciting and new fun places to travel and experience new places (fun).

Yes, I give to the #SEIFuturesFund, to support the Vision of the Future of Structural Engineering initiatives.

And Yes, I give so I can say Thank You for working every day in "the greatest profession on the planet".

This is why I give; I want many more young professionals to have the support I had to get involved so they can also enrich their lives while developing life skills and friendships in an exciting and fun profession!

Thank You to SEI volunteer members for advancing and serving structural engineering in your efforts, to our generous donors who make strategic initiatives possible, and for donating to #SEIFuturesFund.

Laura Champion , P.E., M.ASCE
Director, SEI of ASCE

DONATE NOW

Thank You to SEI volunteer members for advancing and serving structural engineering in your efforts, to our generous donors who make strategic initiatives possible, and for donating to #SEIFuturesFund. SEI would like to hear Why You Give - email us!